Module attachment apparatus

ABSTRACT

Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/071,891, entitled “Device and Method for Solar PanelInstallation,” filed May 22, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/470,682, entitled “Universal End Clamp,” filedMay 22, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/470,588, entitled“Camming Clamp for Roof Seam,” filed May 22, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to securing a solar module or othercomponent to a surface.

BACKGROUND

Solar energy generation is a rapidly growing technology worldwide andoffers the potential of almost unlimited clean and sustainable energy.However, the use of solar electric technology has been limited by thecosts associated with installing solar panels to existing and newstructures and facilities.

Solar cell array installation is a very specialized line of work andrequires special equipment and expertise. Because solar modules needmaximum exposure to sunlight to operate efficiently, they are ofteninstalled on the rooftops of structures or buildings. Rooftops areconvenient because they typically represent unused space on a structure.Rooftops are also less prone to vandalism or theft than locations thatare accessible from the ground. While rooftops are often good locationsto install solar modules, they introduce a number of complications intothe installation process. Most notably, rooftop installations introduceincreased risk of water leakage as components are fixed through roofingmembranes and into structural members below. Some conventionalinstallations require bolting a support component directly to the roof,which can cause leakage from water that seeps in from the separationbetween roof tiles. Rooftop surfaces are often visible and require asmooth, level installation, which is often at odds with the undulating,settled surfaces common in roof surfaces. Working on roof surfacestypically introduces numerous access and safety challenges which must beovercome, and therefore limiting the amount of time for installation ormaintenance on the roof is highly advantageous to an installer.

For these reasons, it is desirable to have a solar cell array mountingsolution that offers robust protection against the elements, has anadaptive configuration for accommodating roof and other mounting surfaceirregularities, and contains features that make installation as quickand efficient as possible to minimize installation time on the roof.

Solar panel performance is closely tied to the orientation of a moduleas it operates. Because systems to track the sun can be expensive andcan require a lot of surface area of a roof, modules are typicallymounted fixed in the orientation that yields the best annual energy orcost performance. Tilt angles in the range of 10 to 20 degrees are mostcommon, with higher angles found in higher latitudes or off-grid systemswith greater demand for production in winter months. For this reason,some complete solar cell array installation solutions include tiltoptions for the modules when they are installed on flat or low tiltsituations.

Large commercial roof spaces are often subject to this flat roof, tiltconfiguration requirement. However, due to the complexity of commercialroof construction and the high reliability requirement of commercialroof membranes, roof penetrations may be exceedingly expensive incommercial applications. In some conventional systems, a rail can onlybe attached to a support at certain locations, which can make tiltingand height adjustments difficult and installation can be more timeconsuming.

When installing components in some conventional systems, a module isattached to a rail by sliding a securing mechanism along the length ofthe rail to the desired mounting point. A similar procedure is sometimesutilized for securing the rail to a support component on the roof. As aresult, the process may require added time for sliding each securingmechanism to the appropriate rail position. It is desirable to have asecuring mechanism that can be inserted into the rail at the point ofdesired mounting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments described herein attempt to overcome the drawbacksof the conventional techniques and devices for solar cell arrayinstallation. The systems, methods, and devices described herein canoffer, among other advantages, decreased cost of installing solar cellarrays or components thereof.

In one embodiment, a nut for securing a component to a rail comprises anaperture for receiving a bolt; a first flange configured for engaging afirst recess on a first side of the rail; and a second flange configuredfor engaging a second recess on a second side of the rail opposing thefirst side of the rail, wherein the nut is configured to be inserted orremoved from the rail at an angle.

In another embodiment, an assembly for securing a component to a roofcomprises a base configured to be secured to the roof, a flashinginstalled over the base including a rectangular portion configured toextend toward a higher elevated side of the roof and to be installedunder a shake, shingle, slate, or tile, and a domed portion configuredto substantially cover the base; and a support secured to the basethrough a securing component that extends from the base and through theflashing, wherein the support is configured to secure a module or arail.

In yet another embodiment, an assembly comprises a base; a post securedto and extending from the base; a clamp configured for securing a rail,module, or supporting component to the post. The clamp comprises apost-receiving aperture for receiving the post; a first flange; a secondflange; a void between the first and second flanges, wherein the voidabuts the aperture; and a securing aperture for receiving a securingcomponent for securing the rail or module to the clamp, wherein rotatingthe securing component causes the first flange to approach the secondflange and decrease the size of the post-receiving aperture.

In another embodiment, an assembly for securing a component to a basecomprises a post; a clamp secured to the component, wherein the clamp isadjustable substantially along the length of the post; and at least onespacer secured to the post, wherein the clamp is adjustablesubstantially along the length of the spacer.

In yet another embodiment, an assembly for securing a component to abase comprises a support component configured to be secured to the baseand for securing the component; and at least one spacer secured to thesupport component.

Additional features and advantages of an embodiment will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the exemplaryembodiments in the written description and claims hereof as well as theappended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated byway of example and not limited to the following figures:

FIG. 1 a shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in afirst installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 b shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in asecond installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 c shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in athird installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 d shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in afourth installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 e shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in afirst installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 f shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in asecond installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 g shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in athird installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 h shows a cross-sectional view of a snap-in channel nut in afourth installation stage according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 a shows an exploded perspective view of an L-foot and flashingassembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 b shows an exploded cross-sectional view of an L-foot andflashing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 c shows a cross-sectional view of an L-foot and flashing assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 d shows a perspective view of an L-foot and flashing assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 e shows a perspective view of a base according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 f shows a perspective view of a flashing according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of a base according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 b shows a perspective view of a flashing according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 c shows a perspective view of a flashing according to analternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 d shows a perspective view of a flashing system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 a shows an exploded perspective view of a post clamp according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 b shows a perspective view of a post clamp according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 c shows a perspective view of a post clamp according to analternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 d shows a perspective view of a post clamp according to analternative exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 a shows a cross sectional view of a clamp assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 b shows a cross sectional view of a clamp assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 c shows a cross sectional view of a clamp assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 d shows a cross sectional view of a clamp assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 a shows a cross sectional view of an L-foot assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 b shows a cross sectional view of an L-foot assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 c shows a cross sectional view of an L-foot assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 d shows a cross sectional view of an L-foot assembly according toan exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

Although the exemplary embodiments describe a solar module and solarmodule installation, the description herein is intended to include anycomponent of a solar cell array to be secured, including, but notlimited to, a photovoltaic array, a photovoltaic module, a solar cell, arail, a solar panel, a solar tracker, a mounting post or pole, amounting bracket, or other related hardware. However, the term module isnot intended to be limited only to components used for solar energy andsolar component installation. The module can apply to any component thatcan be secured to a roof or other surface, including, but not limitedto, a satellite dish, an antenna, and HVAC equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 a to 1 d, an exemplary embodiment showing across-sectional view of an installation of a snap-in channel nut 100,110 is shown. Although this exemplary embodiment shows the installationof the snap-in channel nut 100, 110, the snap-in channel nut 100, 110can be removed by using substantially the reverse method. Also, althoughtwo snap-in channel nuts 100, 110 are shown being installed into a rail120, it is intended that an installation may utilize only one snap-inchannel nut. In one example, only snap-in channel nut 110 is usedbecause the rail 120 attaches to a module using means other than thesnap-in channel nut 100. In another example, only snap-in channel nut100 is used because the rail 120 is attached to a roof support usingmeans other than the snap-in channel nut 110. Although the exemplaryembodiment describes the installation and configuration of the snap-inchannel nut 100 in substantially the same way as snap-in channel nut110, each snap-in channel nut 100, 110 is not required to be identicalto each other.

The rail 120 can secure at least one module (not shown) and the rail 120can be secured to a roof or other surface (not shown). As known by oneof ordinary skill in the art, the rail 120 can be configured indifferent ways and is not limited to the configuration or orientationdescribed in this exemplary embodiment. The rail 120 has a firstcomponent 120 a and a second component 120 b configured perpendicular tothe first component 120 a. At approximately the mid-point of the firstcomponent 120 a, a third component 120 c extends from the rail 120 in adirection substantially parallel to the second component 120 a. A fourthcomponent 120 d extends in a substantially perpendicular direction fromthe third component 120 c in a direction substantially parallel with thefirst component 120 a. A fifth component 120 e extends in asubstantially perpendicular direction from the fourth component 120 d ina direction substantially parallel with the second component 120 b. Asixth component 120 f extends in a substantially perpendicular directionfrom the fifth component 120 e in a direction substantially parallel tothe first component 120 a.

At a distal end of the first component 120 a, a first flange 120 gextends toward the center of the rail 120, thereby forming a recess 120h. In this exemplary embodiment, the rail 120 can have a greaterthickness, or bump 120 p, at a point before the recess 120 h on thefirst component 120 a. At a distal end of the second component 120 b, asecond flange 120 i extends toward the center of the rail 120, therebyforming a recess 120 j. In this exemplary embodiment, the rail 120 canhave a greater thickness, or bump 120 q, at a point before the recess120 j on the second component 120 b. At a distal end of the sixthcomponent 120 f, a third flange 120 k extends toward the center of therail 120, thereby forming a recess 120 l. In this exemplary embodiment,the rail 120 can have a greater thickness, or bump 120 r, at a pointbefore the recess 120 l on the sixth component 120 f. The third flange120 k opposes the first flange 120 g. At substantially the intersectionof the fifth component 120 e and the sixth component 120 f, a fourthflange 120 m can extend to form a recess 120 n. The fifth component 120e can be shaped to form bump 120 s at a point before the recess 120 n.In this exemplary embodiment, the rail 120 can extend to on the opposingside of the recess 120 n from the fourth flange 120 m. The fourth flange120 m opposes the second flange 120 i.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the distal ends of the firstcomponent 120 a and the sixth component 120 f can be used to support amodule. The distal end of the second component 120 b and the area nearthe intersection of the fifth component 120 e and the sixth component120 f can be used to secure the rail 120 to a support member. Oneadvantage to this configuration of rail 120, and as can be seen in FIG.1 d, is that wires or cables 120 o can be run along a channel (e.g.,between first component 120 a and sixth component 120 f) and the snap-inchannel nut 100 can still be installed without interfering with thewires or cables 120

The rail 120 can be made of a conductive material, such as aluminum orstainless steel, or a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass, whichcan eliminate the need to ground the rail 120 when a solar cell moduleis attached.

The snap-in channel nut 100 is shown as a cross-section, but issubstantially rectangular. The nut 100 has an aperture configured toreceive a threaded bolt 130. The nut 100 has a first flange 100 aconfigured to engage recess 120 h. The extension of the flange 100 acauses a recess 100 b. Recess 100 b is configured to engage the firstflange 120 g of the rail 120. The nut 100 also has a second flange 100 cconfigured to engage recess 120 l. The extension of the flange 100 ccauses a recess 100 d. The recess 100 d is configured to engage thethird flange 120 k of the rail 120.

The snap-in channel nut 110 is shown as a cross-section, but issubstantially rectangular. The nut 110 has an aperture configured toreceive a threaded bolt 140. The nut 110 has a first flange 110 aconfigured to engage recess 120 j. The extension of the flange 110 acauses a recess 110 b. Recess 110 b is configured to engage the secondflange 120 i of the rail 120. The nut 110 also has a second flange 110 cconfigured to engage recess 120 n. The extension of the flange 110 ccauses a recess 110 d. The recess 110 d is configured to engage thefourth flange 120 m of the rail 120. The nut 110 can secure a mountingcomponent or support 150 to the rail 120.

The nut 100, 110 and/or bolt 130, 140 can be composed of any known orconvenient material, including, but not limited to metal, fiberglass,plastic, wood, composites or any other combination of materials. The nut100, 110 can be manufactured by any process known in the art, includingextrusion and cold-forging.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, the nut 100, 110 can be inserted into the rail byangling the nut 100, 110. Because of the flanges 100 a, 100 c, 110 a,110 c, the nut 100, 110 cannot fit into the opening in the rail 120without orienting the nut 100, 110 at an angle.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, the nut 100, 110 has been inserted into the rail120 by orienting the nut 100, 110 at an angle. The depth of insertion ofthe nut 100, 110 may be limited by the placement of the head of the bolt130, 140 or the support 150.

As shown in FIG. 1 c, the nut 100, 110 is oriented such that the bolt130, 140 is more aligned with the direction of insertion. Thisorientation allows the nut 100, 110 to be inserted even further into therail 120. The nut 100, 110 is inserted into the rail 120 until theflanges 100 a, 100 c, 110 a, 110 c are inserted past the flanges 120 g,120 i, 120 k, 120 m.

As shown in FIG. 1 d, the nut 100, 110 can be secured by pulling the nut100, 110 in a direction out of the rail 120 so that the flanges 100 a,100 c, 110 a, 110 c engage recesses 120 h, 120 j, 120 l, 120 n. Theconfiguration of the recesses 120 h, 120 j, 120 l, 120 n and the thickerrail portions, or bumps 120 p, 120 q, 120 r, and 120 s, before therecesses 120 h, 120 j, 120 l, 120 n can allow the nut 100, 110 to snapinto the recesses 120 h, 120 j, 120 l, 120 n. The bolt 130, 140 can thenbe tightened to secure a module (not shown) or the support 150 to therail 120. The nut 100, 110, can be removed in substantially the reversemethod shown. This configuration can allow a user to more easily installand remove a module or support from a rail. Additionally, thisconfiguration can allow a user to install and remove the module orsupport from a rail at any point along the rail without sliding the nutto or from the end of the rail.

The nut 100, 110 can be installed in other rail configurations. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1 e to 1 h, the nut 100, 110 can be installedin a rail 121 configured for attachment to a ground mounting system (notshown) that has an existing substructure, including awnings andcarports. The installation, removal, and adjustment of the nut 100, 110in FIGS. 1 e to 1 h can be performed according to the method describedwith respect to FIGS. 1 a to 1 d.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 d show a system 200 for securing a rail 210 to acomposition roof 220. Although the rail 210 is shown in the exemplaryembodiment, it is intended that this system 200 can be applied to secureany support member, module, or other component to the roof 220. Indeed,the support member can secure any number of rails or structuralcomponents, can be secured to a variety of roof types, can be installedon trellises and on motor vehicles, such as motorhomes.

The roof 220 is generally made of a roof decking component 220 a and arafter component 220 b. The roof 220 is typically oriented in a tilt,wherein a first end 220 c of roof 220 is elevated higher than a secondend 220 d. The composition roof 220 can include a wood shake, shingle,and slate installation. Although the composition roof 220 is shown in apreferred embodiment, it is intended that the system 200 can beconfigured for other types of roofs, such as a concrete tile roof.

The system 200 includes a base 230, a flashing 240, and an L-foot 250.As shown in FIG. 2 e, The base 230 is shown as a rectangular component230 a (shown in FIG. 2 e) having an aperture for receiving a lag bolt230 b. The lag bolt 230 b, along with a washer 230 d, can secure thebase 230 to the roof 220. In this example, the lag bolt 230 b isconfigured to screw into the rafter component 220 b. A threaded stud 230c (shown in FIG. 2 e) extends upwards from the base 230 for securing theL-foot 250. The base 230 can be sealed to the roof 220.

The flashing 240 is positioned over the base 230. The flashing 240 isshown as a substantially flat rectangular component 240 a (shown in FIG.2 d) having a dome 240 b (shown in FIG. 2 d) configured to cover thebase 230, which protrudes from the surface of the roof 220. The dome 240b can be made of may be any weather resistant material knownand/convenient, such as plastic, rubber, or metal. The flashing 240 aand the dome 240 b are formed, for example by stamping, the flashing 240from a single piece of sheetmetal such that the flashing 240 a and thedome 240 b are integrally coupled. The flashing 240 also has an aperture240 c (shown in FIG. 2 f) for receiving the threaded stud 230 c. Theflashing 240 provides a watertight seal around the base 230. Theflashing 240 extends a distance toward the first end 220 c of roof 220so that a shingle 220 e of the roof can overlap the flashing 240, asshown in FIG. 2 f. The flashing 240 can be made of galvanized steel orother material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The L-foot 250 acts as a support having an L-foot base 250 a that issecured to the threaded stud 230 c through an aperture 250 b using aflange nut 260. An L-foot extension 250 c extends from the L-foot base250 a at about 90 degrees. The L-foot extension 250 c has an elongatedaperture 250 d for securing the L-foot 250 to the rail 210, shown in theexemplary embodiment with a channel nut 270. The elongated shape ofaperture 250 d can allow for fine-tuned height adjustments. A bolt 280and a washer 290 can be used to secure the L-foot 250 to the channel nut270.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 d, an alternative system is shown with fullflashing. In this exemplary embodiment, a base 330 a is secured to aroof 320 by a bolt 330 b. A post 330 b attached by a bolt (similarlyshown as bolt 415 in FIG. 4 a) extending from the base 330 a extendsaway from the roof 320. A flashing 340 can be installed over the base330 a and substantially over the post 330 b as shown in FIG. 3 b. Theflashing has a substantially flat rectangular component 340 a and a postflashing component 340 b that substantially covers the base 330 a andthe post 330 b. The post flashing component 340 b can be substantiallycone-shaped. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3 c, arectangular component 340 c can mimic the undulating shape of the roof320 to allow for better protection of the base 330 a. Once the flashing340 has been installed, the post 330 b can be secured to a rail 310 orother component using a clamp 350 or other securing mechanism.

An adjustable clamp assembly can be used to adjust the height of a railor module secured to a roof or other surface. Referring to FIGS. 4 a and4 b, an assembled post clamp 400 is shown. The post clamp 400 can beused with all roof types. As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, a post is used.Alternatively, in FIGS. 6 a to 6 d, an adjustable L-foot assembly ismounted to a roof.

The post clamp 400 includes a standoff base 410, a post 420, and a clamp430. The standoff base 410 can be secured to a roof or other surfaceusing a lag bolt 405 and a washer (not shown). Alternatively, thestandoff base 410 can be secured using nails, epoxy, or other knownmethods. The standoff base 410 can be made of a durable weatherresistant material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. A bolt 415 anda lock washer 425 can secure the post 420 to the standoff base 410. Thepost 430, as shown in this exemplary embodiment, is a cylindricalmember, but can have any polygonal shape, including rectangular orhexagonal. The post 430 can be composed of any rigid weather resistantmaterial, such as aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any other materialknown and/or convenient. The post 430 can have apertures at each end forattachment to the standoff base 410 or other component.

The clamp 430 can be removably attached to the post 420 to enable aheight adjustment of a module or rail, as well as easy installation andremoval of the clamp 430 from the post 420. The clamp 430 has anaperture 430 a for receiving the post 420. The clamp 430 also has afirst flange 430 b and an opposing second flange 430 c which areseparated by a void that abuts the aperture 430 a. The first and secondflanges 430 b, 430 c taper away from the aperture 430 a. The clamp 430has an aperture 430 d for receiving a bolt 435 thread through a washer440. The bolt 435 extends through the first flange 430 b and the secondflange 430 c to a module or rail, shown here as a channel nut 445 usedto secure a rail 450. The bolt 435 can also secure the clamp 430 to anL-foot 455, module, rail, or other component, as shown in a steep tiltconfiguration depicted in FIG. 4 c. As the bolt 435 is actuated andenters the aperture 430 d, the first flange 430 b and the second flange430 c move toward each other to tighten the clamp 430 on the post 420.The clamp 430 can remain in position on the post 420 because of thepressure exerted by the tightened clamp 430 and the resulting frictionthat must be overcome to move the clamp 430. In order to loosen theclamp 430 for adjustment or removal, the bolt 435 is rotated in adirection to disengage the aperture 430 d. The clamp 430, which isattached to the rail 450, can be adjusted along post 420 to adjust theheight of the rail 450. As shown in a shallow tilt configurationdepicted in FIG. 4 d, in order to tilt a module 460, clamp 430 on afirst post 420 a can be positioned higher than a clamp 430 on a secondpost 420 b.

A clamp can adjust along a post at any varied height. If the post is nothigh enough, the post can be extended using at least one spacer.Referring to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, a post 500 is secured to a standoff base510 using a bolt 520. A clamp 530 secures a rail 540 to the post 500. Asshown in FIG. 5 a, the clamp 530 is at a first position (shown having arail height at about 7.5 inches) along the post 500. As shown in FIG. 5b, the clamp 530 is at a second position (shown having a rail height atabout 8.5 inches) along the post 500. The clamp 530 can be tightened atany point along the post 500 and is not limited to those positions shownin these exemplary embodiments.

At least one spacer can be added to the post to allow a further heightadjustment and/or leveling on an uneven surface. As shown in FIG. 5 c,one spacer 550 has been added to the top of the post 500. As a result,the clamp 530 can be adjusted to achieve a third position (shown havinga rail height at about 9.5 inches) that, upon adding the spacer 550, canbe adjusted from about 7.5 inches to about 9.5 inches. As shown in FIG.5 d, two spacers 550 have been added to the top of the post 500. As aresult, the clamp 530 can be adjusted to achieve a fourth position(shown having a rail height at about 10.5 inches) that, upon adding thesecond spacer 550, can be adjusted from about 7.5 inches to about 10.5inches. The spacer 550 acts as an extension of the post 500 and can takea similar form. For example, if the post 500 is a cylindrical member,the spacer 500 can also be a cylindrical member having the samediameter. The spacer 550 can attach to the post 500 or another spacer550 using a set screw (not shown). The spacer 550 can be manufactured ina standard size, such as one inch, for easier calculations of heightadjustments. The clamp 530 can be tightened at any point along the post500 and is not limited to those positions shown in these exemplaryembodiments.

A spacer can also be added to an L-foot support for added height and/orleveling on an uneven surface. FIG. 6 a shows an L-foot 600 securing arail 640 to a roof (not shown), wherein the L-foot 600 is attached to abase 610 and a flashing 620. The rail 640 is positioned with a railheight of about 3.33 inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 b, the rail 640 can be adjusted along the L-foot 600using an elongated aperture (shown as aperture 250 d in FIG. 2 a) inL-foot 600. The rail 640 can be positioned with a rail height of betweenabout 3.33 and 4.33 inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 c, a spacer 650 can be secured to the base 610 by athreaded stud 660 extending from the base 610. A set screw 670 cansecure the L-foot 600 to the spacer 650. A nut 680 secures the L-foot600 to the set screw 670. The rail 640 can be positioned with a railheight of between about 4.33 and 5.33 inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 d, a first spacer 650 a can be secured to the base610 by threaded stud 660. A second spacer 650 b can be secured to thefirst spacer 650 a and L-foot 600 can be secured to the second spacer650 b by set screw 660. Nut 680 secures the L-foot 600 to the set screw670. Additional spacers can also be included between first spacer 650 aand second spacer 650 b. The rail 640 can be positioned with a railheight of between about 5.33 inches and 6.33 inches.

The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary. Oneskilled in the art recognizes that numerous alternative components andembodiments that may be substituted for the particular examplesdescribed herein and still fall within the scope of the invention.

1. An assembly for securing a component, the assembly comprising: a railcomprising: a first component comprising: a first rail flange at adistal end of the first component; a first recess proximal to the firstrail flange; and a first bump proximal to the first recess; and a secondcomponent comprising: a second rail flange at a distal end of the secondcomponent; a second recess proximal to the second rail flange; and asecond bump proximal to the second recess, and wherein the secondcomponent opposes the first component; and a first nut comprising: afirst aperture for receiving a first bolt; a first nut flange configuredto engage the first recess on the first component of the rail; and asecond nut flange configured to engage the second recess on the secondcomponent of the rail, wherein the first and second nut flanges areconfigured to snap securely into the first and second recesses throughorienting the first nut at a first angle, engaging the first nut flangepast the first bump into the first recess, and snapping the second nutflange past the second bump into the second recess.
 2. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein when the first nut is being installed, thefirst nut is configured to be oriented perpendicular to the direction ofinsertion after the first nut has been inserted at the first angle. 3.The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first nut comprises afirst nut recess proximal to the first nut flange configured to engagethe first rail flange, and the second nut comprises a second nut recessproximal to the second nut flange configured to engage the second railflange.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the first boltthreaded through the first aperture.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe rail is engaged to the first nut, and wherein the first bolt isthreaded through the first aperture of the first nut.
 6. The assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the rail further comprises: a third componentcomprising: a third rail flange at a distal end of the third component;a third recess proximal to the third rail flange; and a third bumpproximal to the third recess; and a fourth component comprising: afourth rail flange at a distal end of the fourth component; a fourthrecess proximal to the fourth rail flange; and a fourth bump proximal tothe fourth recess, and wherein the fourth component opposes the thirdcomponent.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising one of a cableand a wire running inside the rail.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe component is a photovoltaic solar panel.
 9. The assembly of claim 6,further comprising a second nut, the second nut comprising: a secondaperture for receiving a second bolt; a third nut flange configured toengage the third recess on the third component of the rail; and a fourthnut flange configured to engage the fourth recess on the fourthcomponent of the rail, wherein the third and fourth nut flanges areconfigured to snap securely into the third and fourth recesses throughorienting the second nut at a second angle, engaging the third nutflange past the third bump into the third recess, and snapping thefourth nut flange past the fourth bump into the fourth recess.
 10. Theassembly of claim 9, wherein the rail further comprises: a fifthcomponent extending perpendicularly from the first component towards thesecond component; and a sixth component extending perpendicularly fromthe fifth component to a proximal end of the fourth component, wherein:the third component extends perpendicularly from a proximal end of thefirst component; and a side of the distal end of the fourth componentopposite the fourth rail flange is coupled to a proximal end of thesecond component.
 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the rail furthercomprises a fifth component, and wherein: a proximal end of the thirdcomponent is coupled to a proximal end of the first component; aproximal end of the fourth component is coupled to a proximal end of thesecond component; the fifth component extends perpendicularly from theproximal ends of the first and third components to the proximal ends ofthe second and fourth components; the third component is aligned withthe first component; and the fourth component is aligned with the secondcomponent.